Senior SPE representatives hold discussions with Turkmenistan’s energy leadership, international operators and academic institutions as the country prepares for OGT 2026.
Turkmenistan’s engagement with the international petroleum engineering community is entering a new phase, following a visit by senior representatives of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) to Ashgabat.
The discussions went beyond conventional institutional cooperation, focusing on practical measures to strengthen engineering capabilities, expand regional technical networks and create new opportunities for scientific exchange across the Caspian energy industry.
Among the most significant developments was the consideration of Ashgabat as a potential host of the SPE Annual Caspian Technical Conference and Exhibition in 2027, an initiative that could further strengthen Turkmenistan’s participation in regional technical cooperation.
The visit also took place ahead of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan (OGT 2026), scheduled for 21–23 October.
Connecting Turkmenistan with the International Engineering Community
The SPE delegation included Olivier Houzé, 2025 SPE President; Grigory Zaraisky, representing SPE’s regional business development and events activities; and Ali Nagiyev, incoming SPE Regional Director for Russia and the Caspian region.
During the visit, the delegation met with the leadership of the State Concerns Turkmengas and Turkmennebit, the State Corporation Turkmengeology, the Natural Gas Research Institute and representatives of the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University.
Meetings were also held with international energy companies operating in Turkmenistan, including Dragon Oil, PETRONAS, Eni and CNPC.
The discussions reflected a shared interest in strengthening the relationship between industrial operations, scientific research and professional education.
For a country pursuing major natural gas development and infrastructure projects, access to international technical expertise is increasingly important. Reservoir management, drilling efficiency, digital technologies and advanced production methods require continuous professional development and the exchange of practical engineering experience.
SPE offers an established international platform for such cooperation through technical conferences, specialist publications, professional networks and educational programmes.
From Institutional Dialogue to Practical Technical Cooperation
An important outcome of the visit was a technical roundtable held on 9 October at the Natural Gas Research Institute of Turkmengas.
Chaired by Nazar Atajanov, Chairman of SPE Turkmenistan, the meeting brought together SPE representatives, researchers and local industry professionals to discuss the future activities of the organisation’s Turkmenistan Section.
Olivier Houzé presented SPE’s perspective on global energy developments and the evolving role of engineering expertise, while other delegation members highlighted opportunities for regional cooperation and professional knowledge exchange.
The discussion identified several technical priorities relevant to the Caspian energy industry, including mature field development, horizontal drilling, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and the responsible application of artificial intelligence in engineering.
Participants also emphasised the importance of scientific publications, technical presentations and the exchange of research findings among regional specialists.
Building on these discussions, SPE Turkmenistan proposed developing a roadmap for 2026–2027. The proposed programme would include regular technical webinars, specialist seminars, expanded membership, closer cooperation with energy companies and renewed student activities.
Particular attention was given to revitalising the SPE student community at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University.
Could Ashgabat Host the Caspian Technical Conference in 2027?
The potential hosting of the SPE Annual Caspian Technical Conference and Exhibition represents one of the most strategically significant issues discussed during the visit.
The conference is an established meeting point for petroleum engineers, geoscientists, researchers, energy companies and technology providers operating across the Caspian region.
Its recent editions illustrate the regional nature of the event. The 2024 conference was held in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, followed by Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2025. The 2026 edition is scheduled to return to Atyrau on 24–26 November.
A future conference in Ashgabat would broaden the geographical representation of this established technical forum and provide a platform for Turkmenistan’s engineers to engage directly with international specialists.
It could also encourage stronger collaboration between national research institutions, universities, operating companies and technology providers.
Importantly, the proposal remains under consideration. Further consultations, organisational assessments and the necessary approvals would be required before any hosting decision could be confirmed.
OGT 2026: Connecting Energy Strategy with Engineering Expertise
The SPE visit also reinforced the technical dimension of Turkmenistan’s upcoming international energy dialogue.
OGT 2026, taking place in Ashgabat on 21–23 October under the theme “Energy. Partnership. Progress.”, will bring together representatives of governments, energy companies, international organisations and technology providers.
A dedicated SPE Roundtable planned in conjunction with OGT will create an additional opportunity to discuss technical innovation, professional development and closer links between industry and academia.
The relationship between OGT and SPE reflects two complementary dimensions of energy-sector development.
While OGT provides a platform for investment, industrial partnerships and strategic energy discussions, SPE supports the engineering knowledge and professional expertise required to implement complex projects effectively.
The connection is particularly relevant as energy producers seek to improve operational performance, strengthen technical capabilities and adapt to new technological requirements.
A Broader Regional Perspective
The significance of the SPE leadership visit extends beyond the immediate programme of meetings in Ashgabat.
It reflects the growing importance of professional and scientific cooperation as a component of regional energy partnerships.
For Turkmenistan, stronger participation in international technical networks can help increase the visibility of national research expertise, improve access to specialised knowledge and create new professional opportunities for young engineers.
For the wider Caspian region, closer cooperation among SPE sections could facilitate joint technical events, knowledge exchange and greater participation in international engineering programmes. With OGT 2026 approaching, a proposed professional development roadmap taking shape and the possibility of hosting the Caspian Technical Conference in 2027 under consideration, Ashgabat has an opportunity to further develop its role as a regional centre for energy science, engineering expertise and international professional cooperation. /// nCa, 11 October 2026 (the material was provided by the OGT 2026 Organizers)